αποφάσισαν
Wordform Details
Translation: decideddeterminedresolved
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personpluralaoristactiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: αποφασίζω
Translation: to decide; to determine; to resolve; to make up one's mind (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἀποφαίνω (apophaino) meaning 'to show forth, declare, demonstrate', composed of ἀπό (apo) 'from, away' + φαίνω (phaino) 'to show, appear'. The root φαίνω is cognate with English 'phenomenon', 'fantasy', and 'phase'. The prefix ἀπό gives the sense of 'bringing forth' a declaration or judgment. This verb evolved to specifically mean making a definitive judgment or decision, literally 'showing forth' one's conclusion.
Example Usage
Αποφάσισα να πάω διακοπές στην Κρήτη.
I decided to go on vacation to Crete.
Πρέπει να αποφασίσουμε σήμερα.
We must decide today.
Δεν μπορώ να αποφασίσω τι να φορέσω.
I can't decide what to wear.
Το δικαστήριο θα αποφασίσει την τύχη του.
The court will decide his fate.
Αποφάσισε να αλλάξει δουλειά.
He decided to change jobs.
Mnemonics
- Think 'apo-PHASE-izo' - you're moving away (apo) from one phase of uncertainty into a decided phase
- Remember 'apocalypse' starts with 'apo' - both involve decisive moments
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Used in both formal and informal contexts. Common in business, legal, and everyday decision-making situations. Often used with family decisions, career choices, and official determinations.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: αποφασίζω is the verb 'to decide' while απόφαση is the noun 'decision'
Confused word:
Η απόφασή μου είναι τελική.
My decision is final.
Notes: Both come from the same root but serve different grammatical functions
Mnemonic: The verb ends in -ίζω (action), the noun ends in -η (thing)